Ubuntu 10.10 arrives with impressive new netbook environment

Canonical has announced the official release of Ubuntu 10.10, codenamed …

Canonical has announced the availability of Ubuntu 10.10, a major update of the popular Linux distribution. The new version introduces the Unity netbook environment, which offers a custom desktop shell that is optimized for ease of use on small displays and has a global menubar to conserve vertical screen space.

Ubuntu's installer got a major overhaul in this release, with substantial user interface improvements and new features. The new installer can start downloading updated packages during the early stages of the configuration process in order to save the user from having to run a full update immediately after installation. It also has a new option that lets users choose to automatically install closed-source components, such as multimedia codecs.

The Software Center has a new look and presents Ubuntu's application catalog in a cleaner and more intuitive way. When you select an application that supports plugins, the relevant add-on packages will be listed so that you can easily install them alongside the main application. It also has a new history view that shows a timeline of package activity. Canonical aims to start selling software through the store in the near future and has already started testing the infrastructure.

Bringing multitouch to the desktop is a major goal for Ubuntu, but the effort is still at a relatively early stage of development. Enabling multitouch hardware was the primary focus during this development cycle. Some devices like the Apple Magic Mouse and certain touchscreen displays are now supported, but multitouch features haven't been deeply integrated into the user experience yet. It has reached the stage where application developers can take advantage of the hardware support to start adding multitouch features to their software. It's likely that we will see more user-visible multitouch capabilities in future versions of the operating system.

Canonical's Ayatana team has continued its efforts to overhaul the desktop panel and notification area. The new audio indicator has built-in controls for managing playback of compatible audio applications, such as GNOME's Rhythmbox music player.

The underlying desktop has been updated to GNOME 2.32, a transitional release that introduces some new architectural components like dconf ahead of the upcoming launch of GNOME 3. There aren't a lot of user-facing improvements in GNOME 2.32, however. One that is worth noting is the addition of metacontact support to GNOME's Empathy instant messaging client.

The Ubuntu One cloud service, which integrates with the Ubuntu desktop and offers features like contact file and contact synchronization, has also been updated. Canonical has changed the pricing structure of the service to make it more competitive. Users can extend their storage capacity in 20GB increments for an additional $2.99 a month. The service has also gained support for mobile music streaming, as we reported last week.

116 Reader Comments

selling software for use with a desktop Linux? good luck I guess? I mean sure in the enterprise space but isn't Ubuntu mostly for home desktops? IME, most people using Linux at home either A: don't like using paid software (and so stick with freeware) or are B: using it out of curiousity and doing most of their real work on a different OS (i fit into that category) and won't be inclined to spend money on software for use with Ubuntu

it all depends on availability and quality vs cost: if there's a software that does something I like or need and the costs is not too prohibitive then I'll buy it, otherwise I'll take a long look for free (semi)-alternatives first, if there aren't any available or the quality isn't really up to par then it's an easy choice. This applies to any and all OS, don't see why it would be different for ubuntu.

selling software for use with a desktop Linux? good luck I guess? I mean sure in the enterprise space but isn't Ubuntu mostly for home desktops? IME, most people using Linux at home either A: don't like using paid software (and so stick with freeware) or are B: using it out of curiousity and doing most of their real work on a different OS (i fit into that category) and won't be inclined to spend money on software for use with Ubuntu

I believe "the point" of including paid software is to A. Attract commercial app developers to make applications for Ubuntu and B. To attract a set of new users that are willing to (and probably accustomed to) pay for software. Of course these two cases largely depend on each other (developers won't make apps without users, users won't come without apps) and that simple catch-22 has plagued Linux for years. Canonical is probably hoping to begin to break out of that by making it easier for the developers to deploy apps and the users to receive them. On a side note, this also makes it much easier for users to become of aware of inexpensive (and often good-quality) independent games that often run natively on Linux.

@Paul: You can always host a complete Windows installation on the Ubuntu system using KVM or similar virtualisation system for the Windows applications that don't run natively or using wine.

Maybe it would even be a good idea for Ubuntu to start advertising that feature and include a grapical KVM configuration/MS-windows setup tool. "Ubuntu now with Windows 7 support"...

You can even get DirectX 10 Direct3D support on a native Windows XP guest install using WineD3D.

Mac users can make an argument for running Windows in a VM, because the Mac has native versions of lots of good, commercial software. Using the Windows VM would be a rare thing.

Linux isn't in that boat yet. There are ALL KINDS of apps that exist in Windows, but have no equivalent for Linux. I've done this. You end up running Windows apps all the time, and Linux becomes a file manager. So why not just run Windows and be done with it?

@Paul: You can always host a complete Windows installation on the Ubuntu system using KVM or similar virtualisation system for the Windows applications that don't run natively or using wine.

Maybe it would even be a good idea for Ubuntu to start advertising that feature and include a grapical KVM configuration/MS-windows setup tool. "Ubuntu now with Windows 7 support"...

You can even get DirectX 10 Direct3D support on a native Windows XP guest install using WineD3D.

Mac users can make an argument for running Windows in a VM, because the Mac has native versions of lots of good, commercial software. Using the Windows VM would be a rare thing.

Linux isn't in that boat yet. There are ALL KINDS of apps that exist in Windows, but have no equivalent for Linux. I've done this. You end up running Windows apps all the time, and Linux becomes a file manager. So why not just run Windows and be done with it?

I"ve been through this a couple of times.

Well, I guess that depends on what you're trying to do with your computer.

I use mine to browse the web, write the occasional text document, view and record DVB-T, listen to my 11-days-long collection of music (yes, all legal files), watch DVDs, tinker with some 3D tools (mostly Blender) and sometimes play a funny little game. I can do all that with Ubuntu. Plus, I can plug in my Canon Ixus digital camera and a windows pops up and lets me view and import my photos right there in the file manager. Under Windows XP, I would have to install a special Canon app to do that. Under Vista and 7, it's no longer possible at all, my camera model is no longer "supported".

And I'm not even talking about the latest 10.10 version. I still run 9.4 Jaunty, and since everything's running great, I can't be bothered to update.....

The light theme is very nice this time and is much better than the dark theme in my opinion. I think it's not the default to avoid being labeled as "too Mac like". The wallpaper is indefensible, though.

Haven't tested the new netbook edition, but I did test the last one (10.04 I think?). Seemed mostly fine to me, but then I was actually using it on a laptop.

Anyway, the screenshot looks nothing like what the netbook edition did then, did it change that much, or is that actually a screenshot from the desktop edition?If it is the desktop version, wouldn't it be a good idea to stick in one from the netbook edition too, as the headline seems to focus on that?

Your screenshots are showing desktop, not netbook edition of 10.10. Personally, I did not like the introduction of Unity. Application icons are taking too much space on left of the screen resulting a lot of web sites using 960 grid, targeted to base resolution of 1024 pixels, showing horizontal scroll bar. By switching to desktop mode using login screen list you're getting more screen real estate compared to netbook mode.

@maxim75: the netbook edition has a link to the review. And it looks pretty cool to me, but I have no netbook to try it. If you read the review, you'll find that it does have fullscreen mode (which minimizes the 'large' icons), albeit it isn't in a screenshot (unless I misunderstood).

I really hope the internet integration gets to a tipping point where the OS has a killer feature, but without major web services on board, I can't see how it will get there (paging Yahoo? Want to be relevant again?). Integrated storage is nice but hardly special. The app store is a smart move, but they probably don't have the audience to attract a wave of developers.

It's a great effort, and Canonical should be praised for pursuing their goals with perseverance, and that's the only way to serve the niche of businesses in less developed countries worldwide. It's really the core promise of Linux, that major IT projects can be accomplished with skills and collaboration rather than money.

If I was truly desperate to run a piece of Windows software then I would probably try and run it under Wine rather than installing Windows - but I don't tend to do that. I have been using Linux are my primary and sole desktop for many years now and do not miss Windows software one bit (first openSuSE and more recently Ubuntu).

Part of the transition from Windows to Linux is:

1) Not expecting Linux to behave exactly like Windows - it isn't Windows and won't! (Neither would you expect a Mac to behave like Windows). Expect Linux to behave like ... Linux and enjoy it!

2) To stop pining for individual Windows packages (and exact functional equivalence) but instead install a set of software from the VAST repository of Linux software available to get the job done that you need to get done.

3) Ubuntu (like all operating systems) isn't perfect but IMHO it is as easy to use as either Windows XP or Windows 7 - just different. It also has its faults and quirks but so does Windows. Live with them (or use something else).

4) Don't give up just because you have to learn something new. People are quite happy to have to completely relearn Word when Microsoft change everything around but (for instance) are not prepared to spend half as long learning OpenOffice properly (will be LibreOffice in next release). There is a fantastic user community who are willing to help when you get stuck. Take their help but also contribute help when you get more experienced.

5) Buy hardware that is supported (or likely to be supported) by Linux rather than buying any old thing and bitching and moaning when it isn't supported. People were not bothered when a vast array or hardware stopped working between Windows XP and Windows 7 but that seemed to be fine...

If you do these things and use Linux for a while, you will appreciate the increase in speed, freedom and legally copy the software to use on any machine you wish or the extra things that you can't get on Windows rather than moaning that "Ubuntu is cr*p because it can't run Microsoft Office" etc.

I am running Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) as I type this and cannot think of a single reason why I would want to jump back into using Windows

selling software for use with a desktop Linux? good luck I guess? I mean sure in the enterprise space but isn't Ubuntu mostly for home desktops? IME, most people using Linux at home either A: don't like using paid software (and so stick with freeware) or are B: using it out of curiousity and doing most of their real work on a different OS (i fit into that category) and won't be inclined to spend money on software for use with Ubuntu

I occasionally buy software for use on one or other of my Linux machines: examples include games, Crossover Office (as it was called back then - it was easier than mucking about with Wine), stuff like that. I find my need to use Windows is due to stuff for which there is no alternative - Polar heart rate monitors are a case in point.I upgraded to the 10.10 release candidate the other day - still noticing minor changes from 10.04

Uselinuxnotwindows said: 2) To stop pining for individual Windows packages (and exact functional equivalence) but instead install a set of software from the VAST repository of Linux software available to get the job done that you need to get done.

But without the same functionality I miss out. I don't want to miss out. I *like* playing L4D, Civ, etc...those don't run on Linux AFAIK. and when I used Ubuntu, it wasn't bad but it wasn't better enough to warrant running it AND running windows to play games, AND having ot deal with additional compatability issues. Sure it did 90% of what I needed/wanted, but that other 10% is a killer...

...2) To stop pining for individual Windows packages (and exact functional equivalence) but instead install a set of software from the VAST repository of Linux software available to get the job done that you need to get done.

...5) Buy hardware that is supported (or likely to be supported) by Linux rather than buying any old thing and bitching and moaning when it isn't supported...

2) I gave up on ubuntu because I had to run a variety of specialist scientific software that ONLY exists on Windows. I'm talking about software written by some academic for their own use. The ubiquity of Windows means that this kind of nieche software tends to be Windows only, and the only alternative is to write your own application. My guess is that most people using Windows in a professional environment have one or two specialist applications like this that they have come to rely on. -Although I'm not actually using any such sofware on a regular basis these days.

5) The other problem I had was hardware support, specifically getting fan speed control to work properly on my unsupported video card -but I believe the card is supported now.

IMHO the problem with Linux is it is fine for regular users, but regular users find it intimidating (just becuase it is not what they are used to). Power users who would be confident switching to a different OS, on the other hand, tend to have either with shiny new up-to-the-minute unsupported hardware or specialist software needs.

All that said, Ubuntu would suit me fine right now, and would have been fine for a second computer (laptop/netbook) back when I tried it on my desktop. And neither of the above problems are Cannonical's fault -they are a direct consequence of having a smaller user base.

Just put it on my NC10. Matched it up with my Viewty smart for 3G+ internet connectivity on the go via bluetooth, found and setup the whole thing in about 2 minutes. Replaced firefox for chromium, changed the desktop to my liking and its like a familiar residence after a renovation. It does all I want to an industrial level of perfection, but then again I am not particularly demanding, It is now every bit as usable for me as any other OS I use in my day to day use of computer devices and holds no stigma or hesitation, well apart from the big brand games like the new Medal of Honour... but that's hardly going to work on my NC10!!!!

@Paul: You can always host a complete Windows installation on the Ubuntu system using KVM or similar virtualisation system for the Windows applications that don't run natively or using wine.

Maybe it would even be a good idea for Ubuntu to start advertising that feature and include a grapical KVM configuration/MS-windows setup tool. "Ubuntu now with Windows 7 support"...

You can even get DirectX 10 Direct3D support on a native Windows XP guest install using WineD3D.

Mac users can make an argument for running Windows in a VM, because the Mac has native versions of lots of good, commercial software. Using the Windows VM would be a rare thing.

Linux isn't in that boat yet. There are ALL KINDS of apps that exist in Windows, but have no equivalent for Linux. I've done this. You end up running Windows apps all the time, and Linux becomes a file manager. So why not just run Windows and be done with it?

I"ve been through this a couple of times.

That is funny because I personally use Ubuntu for everything from programming, video editing to graphics design(both raster and vector) with my Extra Large Wacom Intous4 Tablet. I also listen to music and buy music from the Ubuntu One music store which syncs to all my other Ubunto PCs, Laptops. Let's see I can also pretty much do all the web stuff I do on Windows XP,Vista or 7; The only thing I can't do is something that is related to Shockwave Player(Adobe Plug-in) or Silverlight Plug-in which has nothing to do with Ubuntu that is a Microsoft issue for not providing a native plug-in the funny thing is Adobe provides Flash(natively) with no problem so why can't Microsoft(that clearly tells me something). Oh I can also create/modify and read office documents, presentations and even Access like databses oh and spread sheets like excel. So I wonder what is it that you do on Windows that you can't do on Ubuntu. If it something like 3D rendering and Design we got tons of those tools and if it's Visual Studio Related Stuff we got a pretty decent alternative which is called Mono Develop.

Unless you use Windows specific software that has absolutely no substitute on Ubuntu then yes I would say Windows would be a must. But simply because you are unwilling to try something new or use a different software to achieve the same thing does not make what you stated true. My point is Ubuntu is a great alternative to Windows and not only that but is extremely secure and stable plus supports most hardware out of the box; specially if your PC is 1-2 years old.

Oh one thing I can tell you is that due to the lack of Silverlight plug-in support by Microsoft you can't watch Netflix. But once again this is not a Ubuntu limitation is more of a Microsoft not wanting to release the plug-in since it has DRM protection. I have been Windows free for the last 4 years of my life both at home and work and I don't regret it one bit, What I have done to compensate for the Netflix issue is that I got the service on both of my gaming consoles the Xbox360 and my Awesome PS3 which does everything. And it also solves my PC gaming issue as I rather have a console for gaming than a PC(just my preference though).

The biggest problem with linux which linux users don't want to admit to, is that theres a lot of great free software for windows. Also, if you're reasonably intelligent and buy a 'system builders' disc instead of buying retail you're actually spending very little for the OS itself. Ubuntu - at least for now - was rendered irrelevant when Windows 7 came out and, far from sucking, actually turned out to be a great OS.

If I was truly desperate to run a piece of Windows software then I would probably try and run it under Wine rather than installing Windows - but I don't tend to do that. I have been using Linux are my primary and sole desktop for many years now and do not miss Windows software one bit (first openSuSE and more recently Ubuntu).

Part of the transition from Windows to Linux is:

1) Not expecting Linux to behave exactly like Windows - it isn't Windows and won't! (Neither would you expect a Mac to behave like Windows). Expect Linux to behave like ... Linux and enjoy it!

2) To stop pining for individual Windows packages (and exact functional equivalence) but instead install a set of software from the VAST repository of Linux software available to get the job done that you need to get done.

3) Ubuntu (like all operating systems) isn't perfect but IMHO it is as easy to use as either Windows XP or Windows 7 - just different. It also has its faults and quirks but so does Windows. Live with them (or use something else).

4) Don't give up just because you have to learn something new. People are quite happy to have to completely relearn Word when Microsoft change everything around but (for instance) are not prepared to spend half as long learning OpenOffice properly (will be LibreOffice in next release). There is a fantastic user community who are willing to help when you get stuck. Take their help but also contribute help when you get more experienced.

5) Buy hardware that is supported (or likely to be supported) by Linux rather than buying any old thing and bitching and moaning when it isn't supported. People were not bothered when a vast array or hardware stopped working between Windows XP and Windows 7 but that seemed to be fine...

If you do these things and use Linux for a while, you will appreciate the increase in speed, freedom and legally copy the software to use on any machine you wish or the extra things that you can't get on Windows rather than moaning that "Ubuntu is cr*p because it can't run Microsoft Office" etc.

I am running Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) as I type this and cannot think of a single reason why I would want to jump back into using Windows

Agreed! Netflix and Civ would go missing though. Oh and my multitouch touchpad. Oh and then there's Air Mouse which is only available on Windows as well as PlayOn. Oops and almost forget to mention Eye-Fi. :-(

If I was truly desperate to run a piece of Windows software then I would probably try and run it under Wine rather than installing Windows - but I don't tend to do that. I have been using Linux are my primary and sole desktop for many years now and do not miss Windows software one bit (first openSuSE and more recently Ubuntu).

Part of the transition from Windows to Linux is:

1) Not expecting Linux to behave exactly like Windows - it isn't Windows and won't! (Neither would you expect a Mac to behave like Windows). Expect Linux to behave like ... Linux and enjoy it!

2) To stop pining for individual Windows packages (and exact functional equivalence) but instead install a set of software from the VAST repository of Linux software available to get the job done that you need to get done.

3) Ubuntu (like all operating systems) isn't perfect but IMHO it is as easy to use as either Windows XP or Windows 7 - just different. It also has its faults and quirks but so does Windows. Live with them (or use something else).

4) Don't give up just because you have to learn something new. People are quite happy to have to completely relearn Word when Microsoft change everything around but (for instance) are not prepared to spend half as long learning OpenOffice properly (will be LibreOffice in next release). There is a fantastic user community who are willing to help when you get stuck. Take their help but also contribute help when you get more experienced.

5) Buy hardware that is supported (or likely to be supported) by Linux rather than buying any old thing and bitching and moaning when it isn't supported. People were not bothered when a vast array or hardware stopped working between Windows XP and Windows 7 but that seemed to be fine...

If you do these things and use Linux for a while, you will appreciate the increase in speed, freedom and legally copy the software to use on any machine you wish or the extra things that you can't get on Windows rather than moaning that "Ubuntu is cr*p because it can't run Microsoft Office" etc.

I am running Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) as I type this and cannot think of a single reason why I would want to jump back into using Windows

Agreed! Netflix and Civ would go missing though. Oh and my multitouch touchpad. Oh and then there's Air Mouse which is only available on Windows as well as PlayOn. Oops and almost forget to mention Eye-Fi. :-(

Dammit I forgot to mention iTunes! - Need that to sync and backup that darn iPhone...

Nobody should have to defend Ubuntu. It is a very good OS. I am glad Ubuntu is available to the people who enjoy using it. I am not a user but ocassionally tinker in it and support it's continuing success. More is better - don't styfle the more.

Yeah yeah... If you're a hardcore gamer or rely on autocad for your business or similar, yes, Ubuntu might not be for you. We get it. Now let's move on. Your type of use case is probably only about 5% of users.

The real issue is that the kind of users who are best suited to using Ubuntu (Senior Citizens, Children, people who just need to browse the web and send some e-mails, etc.) are never going to try it because it's so foreign and not worth the hassle of replacing their usual OS.

Meanwhile people like me who aren't addicted to pc games will continue to be happy using Ubuntu (or other Linux of choice) for everything, whether running our server, rendering our graphics, editing our photos, laying out our publications, tracking our email, or some simple CAD, all while another chunk of people insists that you can't do such things on Linux.

Even if you don't use Ubuntu, or Linux in general, its continued refinement means that Apple and Microsoft have to work to make their respective OSs better, so eventually we all win regardless of our OS choice.

Oh one thing I can tell you is that due to the lack of Silverlight plug-in support by Microsoft you can't watch Netflix. But once again this is not a Ubuntu limitation is more of a Microsoft not wanting to release the plug-in since it has DRM protection. I have been Windows free for the last 4 years of my life both at home and work and I don't regret it one bit, What I have done to compensate for the Netflix issue is that I got the service on both of my gaming consoles the Xbox360 and my Awesome PS3 which does everything. And it also solves my PC gaming issue as I rather have a console for gaming than a PC(just my preference though).

The Desktop installer may have gotten an overhaul, but the Server install couldn't be more annoying. Ask for input, work for 5 minutes, ask for another input, work for 5 minutes, repeat. How about just asking for all configuration input up-front and go about installing while I fix a sandwich?